Museum Experience Specialist

The Role

Brings stories to life in a dynamic, thought-provoking way, under the supervision of the Heads of Content and Experience and in collaboration with community partners. Acts as a primary frontline staff member to interpret relevant, inclusive, innovative, and visitor-centred museum experiences for diverse audiences that support and further the values of the Region of Waterloo.  
 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Presents programs to school students, community organizations, and the public, on and off-site, under the guidance of the Education Coordinator. Assists with program bookings and summer camp programming and delivery, where applicable. 
• Provides historic interpretation for the public and tour groups, occasionally in costume. Delivers school programs in historic house and exhibit galleries. 
• Assists with and/or performs daily opening and closing of site(s); event/program preparation, set up and clean up; purchasing materials/supplies; basic housekeeping and security (as required); and the care and custody of program materials, artifacts (including historic buildings and attributes), and costumes.
• Acts as a weekend ‘Coordinator on Duty’ on assigned weekends to act as a resource to and coordinate the work of part-time staff and students and leads morning meetings (applicable to full-time Museum Experience Specialists only). 
• Assists to orient and train students, volunteers, and seasonal staff. 
• Supports guest services, as required (e.g., greets/orients groups, processes payments, answers phones).
• Provides exceptional customer service and informs supervisor of issues that require immediate attention or follow-up.
• Participates in promotional activities (e.g., occasionally creating Instagram stories to promote upcoming events/programming, attending outreach activities, delivering flyers). 
• Assists to cultivate and promote a respectful, harmonious environment for learning and discovery that inspires curiosity, exploration, dialogue, and trust; encourages and enables a diverse population of museum visitors to explore meaningful connections between past, present and future; and fosters a loyal museum visitor base. Assists in creating dynamic community conversations and deconstructing history to better reflect our community. 
• Occasionally supports the museum and archives leadership team in the development of programs, events, and hands-on experiences, to connect objects and stories stewarded by the museums to contemporary issues in the community, in line with the Museum’s strategic and interpretive plans.
• Supports museum strategic planning, and as part of a cross-functional team, supports the development of exhibits and associated programs. 
• Provides timely, meaningful feedback to supervisor to assist with evaluating programs and methodologies, based on objectives set out at the program design stage.   
• Refers complex and unusual issues to supervisor for guidance and direction. 
• Occasionally seeks out and connects with community members, under the supervision of immediate supervisor, to broaden the perspectives reflected in museum content and programming. 
• Occasionally assists to nurture existing partnerships, and supports the development of new affiliations with organizations and individuals that are representative of our community, to ensure museum experiences are inclusive and effectively reflect the diverse voices and perspectives of the community. 
• Explores, researches, and engages new stories about museum collections, sites, and spaces, collaboratively with co-workers and under the direction of the Heads of Content and Experience as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are acquired through a 3-year degree/diploma in a related field (such as but not limited to history, art, theatre), plus 2 years of related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Skill and experience developing and delivering public programs and/or events in a museum or similar setting.  
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation.
• Analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills to analyze, interpret, and apply research. 
• Interpersonal skills with ability and enthusiasm to work in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Customer service, communication, and presentation skills to convey information so it is meaningful to audiences; build rapport and establish trust with audiences, customers, and co-workers; provide guidance and support to students and volunteers; exchange information and collaborate with co-workers; and participate as an effective team member.
• Experience working with and developing relationships with diverse community members. Familiarity with principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and a broad understanding of how they impact museum work.
• Ability to read, research, and interpret reports and resource materials. Ability to prepare clear, concise program materials and reports.  
• Familiarity with and ability to learn traditional trades, domestic crafts and activities, gardening, agriculture, and contemporary counterparts.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and audio-visual equipment.
• Ability to work weekends, statutory holidays, and evenings as part of a regular schedule.
• Must provide an acceptable vulnerable sector police check. 
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.